Nine Star Ki, Bach Flower and Medicinal Tea Class

Setsubun ((節分) is February 3, the day before the beginning of spring/the new year in the old calendar in Japan is over, and Nine Star Ki’s new year has started. (it starts the day after Setsubun).

This year’s my first class was held last weekend. 

I taught Nine Star Ki, Bach Flowers, and Medicinal Tea (support winter organs, kidneys, and bladders).

See what kind of year you will be in 2023 at Nine Star Ki, and get help to spend this year mentally (emotionally) meaningfully at Batch Flower. 

Traditionally, the Kyoko area has new year’s tea Obukucha (Kombu kelp and Umeboshi plum tea with green tea), but I chose the medicinal tea of Nettle instead of green tea with Kombucha kelp and Umeboshi plum for the class. 

The hour-and-a-half class ended in no time.

First, I asked everyone to write down their goals from this year (and three years and ten years), what is preventing them from progressing toward that goal, and what they are doing to reach it.

After that, I explained briefly by checking everyone’s Nine Star Ki number.

Many people who participated in the class were with Three Tree. Other people were Two Soil, Four Tree, and Seven Metal.

This year’s Nine Star Ki is “Four Tree” in the center (above is Nine Star Ki Basic “Five Soil” is in the center). Four Tree is growing and prosperous in Nine Star Ki. 

To thrive this year, we all need to be in shape.  What does mean “need to be in shape”?  It is not a physical shape the case.

In the class, I explained to everyone that after planting seeds of what you want to do and it sprouts, then thinning is sorting out/shaping up the things that have sprouted and grown and focusing on only the things you want to grow. 

It also means that you must clean up what you have been procrastinating or not connecting with your feelings, so you also need to mentally and emotionally organize yourself.

For example, those who attended the class, especially for people with Three Tree are in the position of growing up more this year, so they need to be thinned out.

The person with the Two Soil was in the position of sowing seeds last year, so it is necessary to water and give the sunshine so the seeds will sprout and spend every day regularly.

People with Four Tree‘s nature is growing in Nine Star Kinninth, but this year they are in the center position. They might feel the energy from the left, right, up, and down (it means from everywhere or everybody)will come in, so they might support other people’s prosperity more than themselves. Remembering to support yourself to grow more this year is important. 

Seven Metal person is the year of sowing this year. It’s the year to start new things.

 

It’s different from Nine Star Ki, but this year’s Chinese zodiac is Water Rabbit year.

The Rabbit represents peaceful and patient energyThe Rabbit is a gentle creature known for thinking things through before actingThis energy will encourage us to approach challenges and opportunities calmly and rationally. In addition to the Rabbit’s peaceful energy, the Water element brings intuition and inner peace. Water is all about tapping into our inner wisdom and trusting our instincts. It encourages us to be more in tune with our emotions and sensitive to those around us.

As the Year of the Rabbit 2023 has come, it’s time to tap into its energy and make the most of it. Let’s focus on building strong connections with loved ones, colleagues, and anyone else in our lives.  After all, the Rabbit is known for its ability to create and maintain harmonious relationships.

Next, let’s turn our attention to our careers. 2023 is the perfect time to focus on professional development and advancement. Take advantage of networking opportunities, build relationships with colleagues, and even consider taking on new projects or additional responsibilities.

Of course, the Rabbit represents wealth and prosperity, so according to the Chinese horoscope 2023, it’s a great time to focus on our finances and work towards increasing our income. Whether it’s investing in stocks, property, or other types of savings plans, now is the time to make smart financial moves.

But let’s remember the importance of being cautious. The Rabbit is also associated with trustfulness and an easygoing attitude, but it’s essential to be vigilant regarding potential scams or frauds. Trust, but verify.

On a more creative note, the Rabbit is also associated with creativity and artistic talents. So, let’s tap into our inner artists and explore our creative side. The possibilities are endless, whether it’s taking up a new hobby, trying your hand at painting, writing, or any other form of art that you’re interested in.

Lastly, the Rabbit is also associated with taking care of oneself, so let’s prioritize self-care and maintaining a healthy lifestyle. Eating well, exercising regularly, and getting enough sleep will help us stay balanced and take advantage of the positive energy of the year. By following these tips, we can make the most of the Year of the Rabbit 2023 and take advantage of the positive energy and opportunities it brings.

[Source:  The Chinese Zodiac]


Bach Flower Remedy.

I asked people what they were going through emotionally and mentally.

These are examples of people who attended classes that they needed for Bach Flower Remedy recommendations:

Person in transition – Walnut

People who can’t see the future – Wild Oat

Anxious people – Mimulus

Those who feel resentment for what happened – Willow

Setback –  Gentian

People who are taking care of their families all the time and are overwhelmed by responsibility – Elm

Overthinking – White Chestnut

Everyone got their remedies to take home. They will take 2 drops of Bach Flower Remedy at least 4 times a day for 1-2 weeks. I look forward to seeing how all students progress with their remedies.

 

 

For the Medicinal Tea, I chose Nettle, which is rich in minerals and suitable for the New Year.

 

For the New Year, Kombu kelp (I get it from The Seaweed Man)and Umeboshi plum (Check my blog: Santa Monica Homemade Umeboshi plums)with green tea is a traditional drink in the Kyoko area in Japan. 

Nettle instead of green tea, which supports the kidneys and bladder and is also beneficial for the liver and lungs.

Kelp benefits the kidneys, bladder, liver, and stomach.

Umeboshi is an alkaline food that aids intestinal function and relieves fatigue, detoxifies, sore throat, fatty liver, and cholesterol, and purifies water.

Herbal tea is easy to make at home, and you can drink it and take care of yourself.

Please give it a try.

Love,

Sanae❤️

Please email me if you are interested in Bach Flower online classes or individual consultations.

Also, if you are interested in Medicinal Tea consultation, please let me know by email.

sanaehealing@gmail.com

Autumn Remedy Drinks for Lungs and Large Intestine

Lotus Root Tea and Carrot and Daikon Remedy Drinks

The weather is getting cooler, and our official calendar date of autumn is here.
It is time for us to take care of our lungs and large intestine.

When the weather changes from hot to warm to cool, before it gets really cold, our body adjusts our lungs to breathing in cooler air.
Our whole body feels the cooler air and tightens up the lungs.
So, if you were eating excess protein, fat, and oil (both animal or plant-based foods),
and they are all squeezed out, guess what—our body is trying to detox, and mucus is coming out.

You might have a runny nose or sneezing to detoxify nasal mucus, as well as coughing or a sore throat to detoxify phlegm.
Does that sound familiar?

These recipes are very good when you’ve eaten too much oily and mucus-producing food.

Lotus Root tea is especially good to drink when the weather is starting to cool down and you have a sore throat and are starting to cough. Also, it is a good remedy drink for Pneumonia, Asthma, Bronchitis and even Lung cancer.

I made it just this morning for Eric and Oro, who have started coughing.
I think they feel much better.
They love this remedy drink because fresh lotus root is very creamy and naturally sweet when grated with a ceramic grater.

Carrot and Daikon Remedy helps detox your body, especially the intestine, from excessive consumption of animal- or plant-based protein, fat, oil, and salt.

Recipe for Fresh Lotus Tea Remedy Drink

MAKES 1 SERVING

1⁄2 cup fresh lotus root, grated

1⁄2 to 1 cup purified water

pinch of sea salt

To make the tea (using fresh lotus root):

  1. Place the grated lotus pulp in a piece of cheesecloth and squeeze out the juice into a measuring cup. The amount of juice you get will vary depending on the quality and freshness of the lotus. The pulp may be saved and added to other dishes, like miso soup.
  2. In a small saucepan over a medium-high flame, combine the juice with an equal amount of the purified water. Add a pinch of sea salt or a few drops of soy sauce.
  3. Bring juice mixture to aboil, reduce heat to low and simmer for 2 to 3 minutes.
  4. The tea should be thick and creamy.
  5. Serve hot.

Recipe for Carrot and Daikon Drink Remedy Fresh Lotus Tea

MAKES 1 SERVING

1⁄4 cup fresh daikon, finely grated*

1⁄4 cup fresh carrot, finely grated*

1 cup purified water

1⁄2 umeboshi plum, finely chopped soy sauce (optional)

1⁄4 to 1⁄2 sheet of nori, shredded

To make the drink:

1. In a small saucepan over a medium-high flame, combine the grated daikon, carrots and purified water, and bring to a boil.

2. Addchoppedumeboshiandafewdropsofsoy sauce (if desired), reduce heat to low and simmer for 2 to 3 minutes.

3. Transfer into a serving cup, add shredded nori, and drink hot.

 

Recipes are from Love, Sanae cookbook.

 

I have been practicing macrobiotics for more than 25 years, and remedy drinks are simply kind to our body and soul, yet very effective for cleansing.
So, I make them almost every morning instead of coffee.

Drink these remedy drinks at least 30 minutes before breakfast, or in the late afternoon between meals.
Most conditions take at least two to three days of continued drinking.
If you have a serious health condition, it’s always wise to consult with an experienced macrobiotics counselor.

You can contact me here or check counseling service for counseling.

 

Enjoy these recipes!

Love, Sanae 💖

 

 

 

Bancha Twig Tea (Kukicha)

I love tea.
Yes, I am Japanese.
I’ve also been told that I was English in a previous life so that naturally gives me the title of “Tea Lover.”

 

Since I was about 7 years old, one of my favorite things was taking a tea break with my mother’s housekeeper, Mrs. Kato. We usually had bancha (harvested from the same tree as sencha grade, but it is plucked later than sencha, giving it a lower market grade). It is considered to be the lowest grade of green tea. There are 22 grades of bancha. Its flavor is unique; it has a stronger organic straw smell than sencha (a type of Japanese ryokucha/green tea prepared by infusing the processed whole tea leaves in hot water). Mrs. Kato said sencha was too strong for a child, and usually, it is for guests. I tried some, but I did not like it because it tasted bitter.

I started to learn Japanese tea ceremony when I was 17 years old. I used macha, a finely ground powder of specially grown and processed green tea. It was very creamy, and its aromatic taste matched the Japanese tea ceremony sweets. Macha is for special times, but it is high in caffeine. I am not able to drink it most of the time since I am sensitive to caffeine now, so my favorite tea became non-caffeinated herbal tea, like rosehip tea and bancha twig tea (kukicha).

Kukicha is very low in caffeine. Most of the caffeine is in the leaves, which are not used, and the rest is reduced by the aging process. Kukicha is called “three-year bancha” in Japan, because after the stems, stalks and twigs of the tea are picked, they are dried in the sun and aged for three years before roasting. I usually do not feel any caffeine effects, and it is safe for children to drink.

Kukicha has a unique flavor and aroma among teas, due to its aging process and becoming more alkaline. And the benefits of kukicha are numerous. It is an important part of the macrobiotic diet and is thought to lead to stable health and longevity.

It also good to add apple juice when you want to have a little sweet taste when your body gets too tight and need to relax. I usually add a half purified water and a half apple juice and heat up. You can add a slice of apple too.

650-apple-juice-kukicha-mix

I use Eden’s Tea Bag for when I am traveling or going out for lunch/dinner. It still give a good taste of Kukicha.

 

Benefits of Kukicha Tea

Most of the benefits of kukicha tea stem from its alkalizing properties. Prevention of numerous diseases is achieved through alkalization of bodily fluids and tissues and consequent balanced levels of acidity. A diet containing white flour, sugars, dairy products, eggs and meat raises the body’s acidity and eventually results in fatigue, premature aging, weakened immune system, heart, kidney or bladder conditions, and problems with weight, joints and bones. A body containing too much acid draws minerals from bones and other organs and stores fat.
Twig tea (kukicha) is abundant with minerals like copper, selenium, manganese, calcium, zinc and fluoride, as well as A, C and B-complex vitamins and flavonoids. Like green tea, it contains polyphenolic catechins, which are famous for their anti-cancer action. The most powerful of these substances is epigallocatechin, which prevents cancer by discouraging the growth of tumors and stopping it from spreading within cells. Kukicha is also known to promote digestion. Moreover, it has a high content of tannin, which helps clean the body from toxins. Tannin can even free the body from nicotine and radioactivity, which is why it is recommended for people who take many medications.

Similarly to green tea, kukicha regulates the levels of blood sugar, and by lowering high blood pressure, it prevents strokes and heart disease. Being an immunity booster, it helps combat virus-induced colds and flu. Kukicha can also promote weight loss, slow down the aging process, and prevent ulcers. When brewing twig tea, it is important to use hot water, but not boiling. Once boiled water has cooled, the tea is steeped for three minutes at the most. It can also be served cold, with the addition of apple juice, and enjoyed throughout the day—even by children.

Many health benefits may be gained from drinking kukicha, including:

  • Contains six times more calcium than cows’ milk, helping to build bone density
  • Contains 2.5 times more vitamin C than oranges
  • Reduces high blood pressure
  • Helps with digestion
  • Combats fatigue
  • Benefits people suffering from bladder infection and heart diseases
  • Reduces the risk of certain types of cancer
  • Fluoride helps reduce plaque and bacterial infection
  • Helps lower cholesterol levels
  • Low in caffeine
  • Burns fat

Source

How to Make Twig Tea (Kukicha)

2–3 cups purified water (depending on how strong you want to make the tea)

1 tablespoon twig tea (kukicha)

Place the water in a teakettle, and bring to a boil. Place the twigs directly in the pot or in a tea ball. Reduce the flame to low, and simmer 3–5 minutes. If adding the tea directly to the pot, strain through a tea strainer when serving.

 

650-umeboshi-kukicha

Umeboshi Plum With Twig Tea (Kukicha) Remedy

https://www.sanaesuzuki.com/2016/11/30/california-organic-umeboshi-plums-and-recipe/

 

 

Take Care of Your Kidneys – Ginger Compress Hands On Workshop

The kidneys are more active in the winter season and they do not like cold weather, so this is a good time to take care of them.

Your kidneys’ health is connected to:

  • Maintaining blood pressure
  • Controlling blood glucose levels for those with diabetes
  • Maintaining cholesterol levels
  • Helping regulates or loses weight
  • Relieving back, knee and joint pain
  • Reducing swelling
  • Helping/Preventing skin problems
  • And more!

 

650-azuki-and-umeboshi-remedy-drink

Azuki Remedy Drink with Kombu Sea Vegetable and Umeboshi Plum

 

In this class, you will learn:

  • How to make an adzuki bean remedy drink to help regulate kidney functions
  • How to make the azuki bean sweet which is gentle for the kidneys
  • How to make and apply a ginger compress to help dissolve stagnation and tension and to stimulate blood circulation for the kidneys and other areas
  • Meridian points for strengthening the kidneys
  • Exercises to stimulate for the kidneys

 

650-ginger-compress

What you need for Ginger Compress

 

This warkshop is a hands-on class so you make your own Ginger Compress and apply it over your kidneys or/and other areas that you want.

Please bring a 1-gallon stainless pot (so you can take your ginger compress with you and use it one more time at home), also at least two washcloths and two hand towels for your ginger compress, and a blanket (for you lie on the floor).

 

Date: Sunday, Oct. 30, 2016

Time: 2~5pm

Location: Studio “mugen” 2610 23rd St. Santa Monica, CA 90405

Fee: $60

Only 5 people can be taken this workshop!

 

http://www.meetup.com/Vegan-Macrobiotic-Community-Meetup-Group/events/234849170/

If you want to attend the class, please email me sanaehealing@gmail.com

 

Love,

Sanae💖

Spring Remedy Drink for Allergies: Sinus & Eczema

Spring is a time when everything is growing, but at the same time sinus and skin allergies are starting to exasperate us.

In Macrobiotic practice, these symptoms come when you have had too much protein and animal fat. This remedy helps to detox excessive protein, animal fat and also release cholesterol. It also helps the function of the liver and gall bladder gently.

Leafy Greens and Red Radish Remedy Drink

Makes for 1 person

½ cup minced greens (kale, dandelion and collard)
1~ 2 grated red radish,
2 cups filtered/spring water
1 umeboshi plum (California organic ones can be purchases at Seed Kitchen)

1. Add minced greens in a small stainless pot over medium flame and bring to almost boil.
2. Bring the flame to low and simmer for 3~5 minutes.
3. Strain the greens* and put back the remedy to the pot on low flame and add red radish.
4. At the end add umeboshi plum and transfer to a cup.

• Use this greens left over from straining for soups or to sautée with other vegetables.

Do not boil. Have this remedy before breakfast for 7 to 10 days, take 3 days off, and then repeat for three months.

Personal counseling inquiring email to sanaehealing@gmail.com

Love, Sanae